The following policies and deadlines apply to all WashU Continuing & Professional Studies (CAPS) undergraduate degree, non-degree and certificate programs. Admissions requirements for each are listed separately.

Application Deadlines

Admission decisions are made on a rolling basis and typically take less than a week once an application is fully submitted and all supporting documents have been received. Applicants must submit all materials by the following dates:

Degree seeking:

  • Fall: July 31
  • Spring: November 30
  • Summer: April 30

Non-Degree Seeking:

  • Fall: August 15
  • Spring: January 2
  • Summer: May 15

The online application is available online HERE. Applications are ready for review when all fields on the application form are completed and submitted, the application fee has been paid and any additional required materials have been received. Applications are good for up to one year (3 terms). After that time, applicants must reapply.

All applicants are required to submit a non-refundable application fee at the time of application: 
 
– Domestic applicants: $50 
– International applicants: $100

Admission Requirements: Certificates

Applicants should speak with a CAPS Representative regarding preparation for specific certificates or courses. Must have a high school diploma or its equivalent. All application requirements apply.

Admission Requirements: Pre-Nursing Program


Pre-nursing non-degree study allows students to fulfill prerequisites for a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) completion program at another college or university. No CAPS credentials will be awarded and no financial aid is available for this program. Applicants who are interested in earning an Associate in Arts with a pre-nursing focus should see the requirements for an Associate’s Degree admission below. Must have a high school diploma or its equivalent. All application requirements apply.

Admission Requirements: Associate’s Degree

Applicants to an associate in arts program must have at least six credits of transferable college coursework and a GPA of 2.7 or higher on a 4.0 scale. The associate in arts program is only available to WashU employees, spouses and individuals who can submit proof of membership in specific partner programs.

Admission Requirements: Bachelor’s Degree

Applicants to the bachelor’s degree program must have at least 45 credits of transferable coursework (these credits can include credits previously completed through CAPS) and a cumulative GPA of 2.7 or higher on a 4.0 scale. These credits may include courses already completed toward an associate’s degree. Applicants who do not meet the GPA requirement should speak with a CAPS Representative.

Admission Requirements: Combined Bachelor’s/Master’s Degree

Applicants for the Combined Bachelor’s/Master’s Degree Program must be admitted to a Bachelor of Science degree program in CAPS; complete a minimum of 90 units toward the Bachelor of Science degree, including transfer credit, with a 3.0 or higher cumulative grade point average; complete a minimum of 15 units of undergraduate coursework in CAPS, at least 12 of which must be at the advanced level (3000- and 4000-level courses), with a 3.0 or higher cumulative grade point average; complete a Combined Bachelor’s/Master’s Degree Program application for contingent admission; submit a Statement of Intent of no more than one page describing why this degree pathway was chosen and outlining future goals; submit a writing sample consisting of a 10- to 12-page research paper with citations and references; and submit two letters of recommendation, including at least one academic recommendation.

Admission Requirements: Non-Degree

Non-degree enrollment is intended for students pursuing personal or professional development, as well as those taking courses to strengthen their preparation for future degree admission. Must have a high school diploma or its equivalent. All application requirements apply.

Admission Requirements: First-Time-In-College

First-time-in-college applicants must have a 3.0 minimum high school GPA and at least four years studying the following subjects: English, mathematics (pre-calculus is recommended), and science (physics and/or biology is recommended, depending on the planned major).

Who is a first-time-in-college student?

First-time college students are defined as those who have never attended a postsecondary institution after graduating from high school, with the exception of the summer term immediately following high school graduation and prior to formal matriculation. Admitted students in this category are eligible for full-time enrollment in their chosen program of study. College credits completed while in high school—including dual enrollment, AP, or IB credits—do not disqualify a student from being considered a first-time college student.

Who is a transfer student?

Transfer students are defined as those who have graduated from high school and completed college-level coursework at another institution after high school graduation. Admitted students in this category may enroll on either a full-time or part-time basis in their program of study. Students who completed dual enrollment credits while in high school (even if they earned a concurrent associate degree or certificate) are not considered transfer students. CAPS considers transfer admission for BSIS programs for students who have earned at least 45 hours of transferable college credit.

Statement of Admissions Conduct

WashU is committed to the highest ethical and professional standards of conduct as an integral part of its mission, the promotion of learning.  To achieve this goal, the university relies on each community member’s ethical behavior, honesty, integrity and good judgment.  Each community member should demonstrate respect for the rights of others.  Each community member is accountable for his/her actions.  Therefore, an offer of admission and a student’s enrollment at the university are contingent upon the accurate and complete representation of information within the application for admission, as well as the successful completion of their current studies.  Applicants are obligated to notify the university of any changes in the information provided or responses submitted as part of their application.  WashU reserves the right to rescind an offer of admission or revoke a student’s enrollment at any time if the university receives information that, in the university’s sole judgment and discretion, indicates that the information provided in the application is inaccurate or misleading or if new information leads the university to determine that a student is no longer a positive presence for study or participation in our community.

Application Requirements

Official Transcripts

Transcripts of all prior college-level work are required. Official transcripts must be sent directly from the registrar to CAPS. Electronic transcripts should be sent to CAPS@wustl.edu.

Proof of High School Completion.
Applicants with fewer than 45 hours of transferable college-level credit are required to provide official transcripts or verification of high school completion, submitted directly from the issuing high school.

Non-United States course work transcript verification
If the transcript you submit for consideration is from a college or university outside the United States, a course-by-course transcript evaluation is also required. Evaluations will be accepted from World Education Services (WES), or other member institution of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES). For The Evaluation Company (TEC) evaluations, you must use this form.

Statement of Intent

Applicants must write a one-page Statement of Intent explaining their interests and goals in their chosen field of study.

Resume (optional)

International Students

English Language Proficiency

WashU is responsible for confirming that visitors and students possess the necessary level of English proficiency to succeed in their respective course of study and/or program.  View the WashU English Language Proficiency requirements HERE.

US Citizenship or Eligible Noncitizen

Students seeking to enter the U.S on an F-1 or J-1 Visa must enroll in programs that are full-time and meet the minimum in-person enrollment requirements each semester.  For eligibility requirements, please visit https://oiss.washu.edu/student-status-options/.  For enrollment requirements, please visit https://oiss.washu.edu/student-enrollment-requirements/.   

In addition, students residing outside the U.S. are not permitted to enroll in fully online programs with CAPS.  

Many of CAPS programs are offered online, with limited in person options. If you wish to study with CAPS, please connect with a Student Success Navigator prior to applying to ensure you meet eligibility requirements.   

First-Time-In-College Students

First-time-in-college applicants to a bachelor’s or associates degree should submit the following:

  • Official high school transcript
  • Official transcripts reflecting any AP, IB, or dual enrollment college credit
  • Statement of intent (2 pages), discussing the following:
    • The applicant’s background and why they are interested in the field of study
    • What specifically in the applicant’s background has set them up for success
    • Academic and professional goals
  • Two letters of recommendation:
    • At least 1 academic reference, science or mathematics is strongly recommended
    • Professional or personal reference, speaking to the applicant’s ability to be successful

First-time-in-college applicants may only apply to the following programs:

  • Undergraduate certificates
  • AA in STEM
  • AA in Pre-Nursing, direct admit to Goldfarb track
  • BS in Pharm Sciences